Acephate is a systemic organophosphate insecticide used to control a wide range of pests in agriculture, horticulture, and urban settings. It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for nerve function in insects, leading to paralysis and death. Acephate is effective against sucking and chewing insects like aphids, thrips, and whiteflies. While it degrades relatively quickly in the environment, its toxicity to non-target organisms, including bees, raises ecological concerns.